Vayichi - Who is Ephraim?

Jacob (Israel) on his deathbed blessed the sons of Joseph:  Ephraim & Menashe, giving the greater blessing to the younger son, Ephraim. Who is Ephraim today?  THe book of Hosea gives us clues.  The Father's blessing is so important.  EAch Friday night, we bless our sons with the blessing, "May God make you like Ephraim & Menashe". Why do we bless our sons to be like them? Because even though they lived in an ungodly society and culture like Egypt, they kept their Biblical faith and heritage. WE also bless our daughters to be great women of God: May God make you like Sarah, Rachel & Rivkah."  Jacob blesses each of his sons, but he curses the anger of Simeon & Levi, who slaughtered Shechem in their cruel wrath. We need to beware of a hot temper and keep our anger under control. Forsake wrath; it only causes harm."  (Psalm 37:8) Joseph does not hold a grudge against his brothers after his father's death but forgives them, comforts them, speaks kindly to them and even provides for them. May we also be forgiving, loving, kind people who refuse to hold grudges especially against members of our own family.   Both Jacob and Joseph ask that they not be buried in Egypt.  Israel was never meant to remain permanently in exile; but to return to the Land. May the Jewish people today also consider leaving the comforts and prosperity of exile and come home to the Land.